God is love. When we take up permanent residence in a life of love, we live in God and God lives in us. This way, love has the run of the house, becomes at home and mature in us, so that we’re free of worry on Judgment Day—our standing in the world is identical with Christ’s. 1 John 4:17–18 (MSG)
1 John 4:19 says, “We love God because He first loved us.” When you think about it, there’s great humility in that statement. You see, if God loved you first, that means you couldn’t have earned His love. He loved you before you even knew Him.
Because you didn’t earn His love, you can’t say that you deserve it more than anyone else. We are all loved the same, just as we are. It’s very humbling. In fact, even though God already knew all the mistakes you would make in your lifetime, He still asked His son Jesus to die for you. He loves you that much. When you wrap your head around the unearned love God has for you, you take up permanent residence in a life of love. In other words, you focus on God’s love for you instead of your mistakes. It’s a God-focused, not a self-focused, way of living.
You don’t have to fear punishment from God if you’ve given your life to Jesus because your “standing in the world is identical with Christ’s.” (1 John 4:17). In other words, when God looks at you, He sees Jesus’ perfect record because “Christ is the sacrifice that takes away our sins” (1 Juan 2:2).
Instead of worrying about all you’ve done wrong, pursue a relationship with God first. Starting today, begin to experience His love.